Kingston HyperX KHX1600C9D3K2/4G Memory Review

Introduction:

High performance memory has taken many important technological steps over the years, which has lead to huge performance increases for users. There are a few that come to mind, such as the move from single to double or even triple channel memory, and the switch from DDR to today’s DDR3 standard. We all know that each new innovation released to the market comes with a premium price tag that can make it unaffordable for many users, but we also know that as technology ages, the prices come down and the masses finally get their turn. We are now luckily in the latter situation. Prices for DDR3 memory have come down a significant amount over the last year and now some DDR3 high performance kits can be bought for roughly the same price as a kit of DDR2. The switch over to DDR3 might be easy for some, but with no shortage of brands and models to choose from, it can be a daunting task to decide which set of memory will best fit your needs. If your needs are as demanding as mine, you will want memory that is fast and can perform at peak performance even under the most extreme situations. That is where the Kingston HyperX series fits in.

Kingston unleashed the HyperX line of memory to the world in 2002, with an emphasis on a high level of performance for gamers and PC enthusiasts. With that in mind, Kingston has stayed true to the HyperX line with each new kit put on the market. Since its release, Kingston’s HyperX memory has received good reviews and found its way into many enthusiasts’ computers (including a few of my builds over the years). Kingston factory tests each kit of memory before it leaves its facility to ensure stability, but if the kit happens to be faulty, it carries a limited lifetime warranty and 24/7 tech support, which should give the user confidence in its products. The memory I am going to be looking at today is Kingston’s HyperX KHX1600C9D3K2/4G kit, which is a 4GB Dual Channel kit of DDR3 memory rated to run at 1600MHz with timings of 9-9-9-27. These settings are achieved between 1.7 to 1.9 volts. The timings on this kit of memory are not as tight as some other similar sets in the same price range. This could lead to a drop in performance, but we will have to run some benchmarks before any real conclusions can be drawn.

Closer Look:

The Kingston HyperX memory comes in a retail package that shows you all the basic information about the memory and also gives you a good look at the memory itself. All the information is listed on the label, which also happens to be the security seal for the packaging. The label lists information such as model number, size of memory, speed, and timings. The rear side of the package is solid black in color and doesn’t contain any information about the memory. So there's nothing overly flashy here, but there is more than enough information listed to give you a good understanding of the memory. Inside the packaging there is a folded pamphlet that contains some information about the warranty in multiple languages, as well as installation instructions.

The Kingston HyperX KHX1600C9D3K2/4G set of memory comes with a blue and silver color scheme that has been in effect since my first kit of HyperX back in 2003. Even though the color has remained the same, Kingston has refined and updated the appearance, giving the kit a modern feel while staying true to the classic HyperX theme. The silver runs across the top, with the blue portion directly below. The HyperX logo is in the middle of the modules, with DDR3 on the right and on the left you will either have the information label or Kingston Logo, depending on what side you are looking at. The memory uses a more basic heatspreader design, but still manages to look extremely appealing even without the use of heatpipes or fins. Also, with a low profile design, you should not run into any clearance issues with after-market CPU coolers.

The Kingston HyerpX KHX1600C9D3K2/4G kit of memory has a lot going for them, but will the loose timings hold them back from greatness?